Jonathan Kuminga just raised the stakes in his standoff with the Golden State Warriors. On Monday, the 21-year-old forward posted a photo to Instagram with a pointed message that may signal the start of a new era in his ongoing fight against Warriors management.
“I’ll bet on myself all day,” wrote Kuminga while tagging his agent, Aaron Turner.
After four seasons with the Warriors (averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game), Kuminga became a restricted free agent this summer, but the sides have yet to agree on a deal. Reports indicate that the 22-year-old swingman wants at least $25 million per year and has apparently turned down the Warriors’ latest offer of $40 million over two years.
With the Warriors refusing to budge on his demands, Kuminga may have to change his strategy to play the long game. If he accepts the $7.9 million qualifying offer, Kuminga would lose out on big earnings in the short term, but he’d gain the most leverage and full control of his basketball future.
The qualifying offer would grant him an “implied” no-trade clause, allowing him to dictate where and when he’s moved—or walk into unrestricted free agency next summer with no strings attached. For the Warriors, that’s a dangerous game of chicken with one of their most valuable young assets.
If they let things progress far enough, Kuminga’s situation could turn toxic as he starts to become a bigger and bigger distraction in the locker room. Comparable to what happened with James Harden and Ben Simmons, the young swingman could make things difficult for the Warriors and spill their problems into the season to pressure them into making a trade.
None of that’s to mention the worst-case scenario for the Warriors: if they can’t strike a deal Kuminga likes, they risk losing him for nothing in unrestricted free agency next summer. As someone who averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last season at 22 years old, Kuminga is too valuable to risk letting him walk without a replacement. As the No. 7 overall pick in 2021, he has shown elite potential as an athletic, two-way forward with positional versatility.
Despite his progress, Kuminga has been subject to inconsistent playing time and a spotty role in the rotation thanks to ongoing tensions with Steve Kerr. Now, with free agency in full swing and Kuminga still unsigned, the pressure is mounting.
If he accepts the qualifying offer and hits unrestricted free agency in 2026, Kuminga could sign wherever he wants, with no strings attached, and his move may just change the NBA’s hierarchy in a significant way. For the Warriors, that’s a nightmare scenario. It would mean losing one of their top young assets without compensation, all while Stephen Curry nears the end of his prime.
Kuminga’s Instagram post may seem like a motivational quote on the surface, but it’s much more than that. It’s a warning shot. If Golden State won’t pay him what he believes he’s worth, he’s ready to take control of his career—on his terms.
